City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting – June 14, 2022 1
MINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
REGULAR MEETING
JUNE 14, 2022
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting on June 14, 2022, at 6:36 p.m., in the Council Chambers of the Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, California, Mayor Pacheco presiding.
PRESENT: Council Members:
Blanca Pacheco Mayor
Catherine Alvarez Mayor Pro Tem
Claudia M. Frometa Council Member
Donald E. La Plante Council Member
Mario Trujillo Council Member (arrived at 6:40 p.m.)
ALSO PRESENT: Gilbert Livas, City Manager
Lauren Langer, Interim City Attorney
Leslie Murray, Chief of Police
Dan Hurlock, Fire Chief
Delfino Consunji, Public Works Director
Jason Chacon, Director of Parks & Recreation
Anil Gandhy, Director of Finance
James McQueen, Director of Human Resources
Alicia Duarte, CMC, City Clerk
The Invocation was delivered by Brooklynn Kravig, Calvary Chapel Pastor. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Jeannie Wood, Recreation and Community Services Commissioner.
CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS;
CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS
Council Member La Plante reported attending the Memorial Day Ceremony, the League of California Cities L.A. Division meeting, two ribbon cutting ceremonies, the Downtown Downey Improvement Association Mixer event, a meeting with the Assistant Secretary of Commerc e, and the Friends of the Downey Library Board of Directors meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Alvarez thanked the audience for attending the City Council meeting. She requested a staff report to waive application fees for first time street vendor permits.
Council Member Frometa thanked the audience for attending the City Council meeting. She reported attending the DUSD Robo-Olympics and the Gangs Out of Downey Fundraising Gala. She requested staff address excessive trash at strip malls and unkept landscaping outsid e of businesses.
She requested speed enforcement and asked staff to address car club gatherings at Stonewood Mall.
She requested a more concerted effort to promote the Bin It Campaign. She requested staff address the issue of homeless encampments outside of businesses and along Pico Vista Rd.
Council Member Trujillo requested staff research whether a Downey resident has ever represented Downey in the Assembly. He invited the public to attend Go Skate Day at Independence Park. He reported attending a meeting with City Manager Livas, Police Chief Murray, and nonprofit PACA
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Regular Meeting – June 14, 2022 2
and requested a report on the issue of gangs in Downey. He announced the upcoming Special Meeting to adopt the Budget. He wished everyone a Happy Flag Day. He reported attending the Downey Greek Food Festival, the Downey Police & Fire Foundation Golf Tournament, the Mexico en el Corazon event, the Downtown Downey Improvement Association Mixer event, the Renters Rights Committee meeting, the Kiwanis Annual Recruitment Dinner, the Downey Historical Society meeting, and the Downey Rose Float Association Murder-Mystery Dinner. He requested information regarding the number of complaints received regarding unfair landlords. He requested a presentation on the impact of the proposed Healthcare Worker Minimum Wage Ordinance. He requested an update regarding the dog park at Rio San Gabriel Park and requested an item to discuss funding of the Stay Gallery. He also requested an update on the status of the Downey Art Museum Collection.
Mayor Pacheco thanked the audience for attending the City Council meeting. She thanked Downey Police and Fire for attending and thanked them for their work. She acknowledged Michael Calvert, Martha Sodetani, Jeannie Wood, Sam Sarofee, and Isaac Donado in attendance. She reported attending a Zoom meeting regarding mental health for youth hosted by the Public Health Council of the L.A. County Medical Association, the grand opening ceremony of Cano Health Center, the Downey Rose Float Association Murder-Mystery Dinner, the Memorial Day Ceremony, a Groundbreaking Ceremony at St. Pius X – St. Matthias Academy, the Mexico en el Corazon event, the Team Up to Clean Up event, and the Downey Police & Fire Foundation Golf Tournament.
Council Member La Plante requested to hold a full discussion regarding funding of all arts and culture programs rather than focusing on Stay Gallery.
Council Member Frometa concurred with Council Member La Plante’s request. City Manager Livas clarified that staff would return with a report regarding a holistic view of all arts programs.
Council Member Trujillo agreed with Council Member La Plante’s comments and expressed concerns regarding the time sensitivity of the funding request for Stay Gallery.
City Manager Livas stated staff will reach out to Stay Gallery and place the item on the June 28 Council Meeting agenda.
PRESENTATIONS
1. City Manager Livas introduced Mark Scott, Interim City Manager.
2. Mayor Pacheco with assistance from Fire Chief Hurlock presented City Tiles to retiring employees of the Downey Fire Department.
3. Mayor Pacheco with assistance from Public Works Director Consunji presented a City Tile to retiring employee with 24 years of service, Carol A. Rowland, Downey Public Works Department.
4. Mayor Pacheco with assistance from Parks & Recreation Director Chacon presented a Proclamation in honor of the “Play Ball” MLB and US Conference of Mayors Program.
5. Presentation to the City Council by the Downey Youth Commission.
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Regular Meeting – June 14, 2022 3
PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA, CONSENT CALENDAR AND NON-AGENDA ITEMS
Mayor Pacheco asked City Clerk Duarte if any written public comments were received regarding Agenda, Consent Calendar and Non-Agenda items. City Clerk Duarte confirmed three written comments were received.
Kevin Ezeh, resident, commented in support of funding the arts in Downey.
Kimberly Tinajero, non-resident, commented regarding Council Members.
Gustavo Franklin, resident, commented regarding Council Members.
Council Member Trujillo commented regarding the practice of reading written public comment and encouraged residents to contact him with comments. Interim City Attorney Langer responded she would research the City’s policy and best practices.
Mayor Pacheco commented regarding the City Council’s decision to have written public comment read into the record following the COVID-19 pandemic and the ability of the Council to revisit the matter.
Council Member Frometa concurred with Mayor Pacheco’s comments.
Council Member Trujillo requested staff bring back an item to discuss the Council Meeting rules regarding the reading of written public comment at the Council Meeting.
Mayor Pacheco asked if there was anyone present who would like to comment regarding Agenda, Consent Calendar and Non-Agenda items.
Alan Halstensgaard, resident, commented regarding abortion.
Armando Herman, non-resident, commented regarding homosexuality, public participation, First Amendment rights, and Council Members.
Don Miller, resident, commented regarding landscaping and homeless encampments along the riverbed between Telegraph Rd. and Florence Ave.
City Manager Livas thanked Mr. Miller for attending the City Council meeting and commented regarding coordination with L.A. County and CalTrans regarding this issue. He shared the City is working on a Ranger Patrol program.
Council Member Frometa requested staff address the issue of homeless encampments along the riverbed between Florence Ave. and Firestone Blvd.
Janice Richardson, L.A. County healthcare worker, commented in support of the healthcare workers minimum wage ordinance.
Velma Livas, resident, commented in support of the healthcare workers minimum wage ordinance.
Virginia Rivas, resident, commented regarding discontinuing use of parklets in Downey.
Lee Squire, resident, commented regarding the Central Basin Municipal Water District.
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Regular Meeting – June 14, 2022 4
BC, resident, commented regarding the upcoming election, homeless individuals along the riverbed, the efforts to recall L.A. County District Attorney Gascon, gas taxes, and LGBT mental health awareness.
Brandon Sanguily, resident, commented regarding the effort to recall Mayor Pro Tem Alvarez and the upcoming election.
Jang Lee, resident, commented in opposition to LGBT Pride Month and Downey Pride events.
Mike Greenspan, non-resident, commented regarding Council Members, City staff, elected officials, campaign contributions, and the City Library.
John Lacey, resident, commented regarding public safety, the effort to recall L.A. District Attorney Gascon, respect, the Downey Clergy Council, and the Federal Administration.
Speaker, no name provided, commented regarding evictions, a disconnect between the City and its residents, the effort to recall Mayor Pro Tem Alvarez, written public comment , and civic participation regarding rent control.
Rodolfo Cortes Barragan, non-resident, commented regarding rent control, the upcoming election, Interim City Manager Mark Scott, background checks for Council Members, and the law firm of Best Best & Krieger.
Having no one else, Mayor Pacheco closed public comment.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member Frometa abstained from Item No. 1, Special Meeting Minutes of May 10, 2022, May 17, 2022 and May 24, 2022 as she was not present.
Council Member La Plante pulled Item No. 15 for separate discussion.
Council Member Frometa pulled Item No. 3 for separate discussion.
It was moved by Council Member Frometa, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Alvarez and carried 5- 0, to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar.
City Clerk Duarte announced the Special Meeting Minutes of May 3, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. were being pulled for revisions.
1. APPROVED MINUTES: Special Meeting of May 3, 2022; Special Meetings of May 10, 2022, May 17, 2022 and May 24, 2022: City Clerk.
2. WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 359830 – 360273; Payroll Wire Numbers 30004228, 30004232 – 30004237 & 30004239 – 30004240; EFT Nos. 11503 – 11569; Manual Wire Nos. 2242 – 2252, in the total amount of $11,397,288.66: Finance.
4. APPROVED AGREEMENT WITH L.A. COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION
AUTHORITY FOR THE EXCHANGE AND ASSIGNMENT OF FEDERAL SURFACE
TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM-LOCAL AND HIGHWAY INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAMS FUNDS FOR THE FLORENCE AVE. PAVEMENT REHABILITATION PROJECT; AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT; AND, AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO
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Regular Meeting – June 14, 2022 5
EXECUTE ANY AND ALL AMENDMENTS (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 20-05):
Public Works.
5. APPROVED AGREEMENT WITH GATEWAY CITIES COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF TELEGRAPH RD. COMPLETE STREET STUDY; AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT; AND, AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL AMENDMENTS: Public Works.
6. AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO APPROVE AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF
DOWNEY AND THE DOWNEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER SERVICES FOR THE POLICE ON CAMPUS PROGRAM: Police.
7. APPROVED A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH THE DOWNEY PATRIOT FOR THE PUBLICATION OF LEGAL NOTICES FOR THE PERIOD BEGINNING JULY 1, 2022 TO JUNE 30, 2023: City Clerk.
8. AUTHORIZED THE FIRE CHIEF OR HIS DESIGNEE TO EXECUTE THE MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT FOR THE RECEIPT OF $91,563 OF MEASURE B FUNDS FOR THE PURCHASE OF TWO ZOLL CARDIAC MONITOR/DEFIBRILLATOR UNITS: Fire.
9. ADOPTION OF THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF DOWNEY AND THE DOWNEY FIREMEN'S ASSOCIATION: Human Resources.
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 22-8073, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF DOWNEY ADOPTING THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF DOWNEY AND THE DOWNEY FIRE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (JANUARY 1, 2023– DECEMBER 31, 2025)
10. APPROVED THE APPLICATION FOR THE UNITED STATES BUREAU OF RECLAMATION FY 2023 WATERSMART DROUGHT RESILIENCY PROJECTS GRANT PROGRAM FOR THE
WELLHEAD PFAS TREATMENT PROJECT AND APPROVE REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENT WITH WATER REPLENISHMENT DISTRICT OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA: Public Works.
1) ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 22-8074, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE APPLICATION FOR THE UNITED STATES BUREAU OF RECLAMATION FY 2023 WATERSMART DROUGHT RESILIENCY PROJECTS GRANT PROGRAM FOR THE WELLHEAD PFAS TREATMENT PROJECT;
2) AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENT WITH WATER REPLENISHMENT DISTRICT OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA; AND,
3) AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL AMENDMENTS TO THE AGREEMENT.
11. APPROVED THE ENGINEER'S REPORT FOR ASSESSMENTS WITHIN LIGHTING AND LANDSCAPING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 121 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022-2023 AND SET DATE OF PUBLIC HEARING: Public Works.
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 22-8075, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE ENGINEER’S REPORT FOR ASSESSMENTS WITHIN THE LIGHTING AND LANDSCAPING DISTRICT, ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 121, FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022-2023; AND,
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ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 22-8076, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF DOWNEY DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO LEVY AND COLLECT LIGHTING AND
LANDSCAPING ASSESSMENTS WITHIN THE LIGHTING AND LANDSCAPING DISTRICT, ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 121, FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022-2023; AND SET A PUBLIC HEARING FOR JUNE 28, 2022 ON THE PROPOSED ASSESSMENTS
12. APPROVED PURCHASE OF REAL PROPERTY AND ACQUISITION OF TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION EASEMENT FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 9036 IMPERIAL HWY.: Public Works.
1) ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 22-8077, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF REAL PROPERTY AND THE
ACQUISITION OF A TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION EASEMENT BETWEEN SANTANA INVESTORS, LLC AND THE CITY OF DOWNEY FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 9036 IMPERIAL HIGHWAY;
2) AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE PURCHASE AGREEMENT; AND,
3) AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL AMENDMENTS TO THE AGREEMENT.
13. SIXTH AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENTS IN GROUND LEASE (IRG): Community Development.
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 22-8078, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE SIXTH AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENTS IN GROUND
LEASE AND FINDING THAT SUCH APPROVAL IS EXEMPT FROM ENVIRONMENTAL
REVIEW UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
14. AUTHORIZED THE PURCHASE OF 120 LICENSES FROM SOFTWARE ONE, INC. FOR THE MIGRATION OF DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE FROM PHYSICAL TO CLOUD-BASED: Fire.
16. DIRECTED THE CITY CLERK AND INTERIM CITY ATTORNEY TO CONDUCT THE BIENNIAL REVIEW OF THE CITY’S CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE WHICH IDENTIFIES WHICH CITY
OFFICIALS AND STAFF ARE REQUIRED TO FILE A STATEMENT OF ECONOMIC INTERESTS (FORM 700): City Clerk/City Attorney.
17. APPROVED THE UPDATED CITY COUNCIL ASSIGNMENTS TO THE INTER-GOVERNMENT AGENCIES FOR 2022: Mayor Pacheco.
OTHER BUSINESS
3. APPROVED PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND AUTHORIZED SOLICITATION FOR CONSTRUCTION BIDS FOR ALLEYS NORTH AND SOUTH OF STEWART & GRAY RD.
PAVEMENT REHABILITATION (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 22-03): Public Works.
Council Member Frometa inquired regarding the number of alleys being rehabilitated. Director Consunji responded two alleys will be rehabilitated, the alleys north and south of Stewart & Gray Rd. between Patton Rd. and Lakewood Blvd. He shared the project would rehabilitate the asphalt pavement and staff has installed “no parking” signs and street lights and would be closely monitoring illegal dumping. He stated this is the first year of the alley rehabilitation program in which the City has budgeted $300,000 for the current year and $500,000 for the next fiscal year. Council Member Frometa inquired
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regarding prioritization of alleys. Director Consunji confirm staff has identified all alleys, conducted inspections, and created a 10-year program Alley Rehabilitation Program.
Council Member La Plante inquired when the alley prioritization report would be provided to the City Council. Director Consunji responded staff will provide the report to the Council with the accompanying map.
Mayor Pacheco inquired regarding bringing the item before the Council. City Manager Livas stated the report would be emailed to the City Council.
It was moved by Council Member Frometa, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Alvarez and carried 5- 0, to approve plans and specifications and authorize solicitation for construction bids for alleys north and south of Stewart & Gray Rd. Pavement Rehabilitation.
15. APPROVED THE AMOUNT OF $54,588.65 FOR THE COST OF REPLACING THE EXISTING EXTERIOR BUILDING BANNERS AT THE DOWNEY CIVIC THEATRE: Parks & Recreation.
Council Member La Plante commented regarding funding of arts and culture and requested to pull the item and include its discussion in the comprehensive discussion of arts and culture funding. City Manager Livas recommended the Council move forward with the item to maintain the appearance of the Theatre in light of upcoming events. He concurred with Council Member La Plante’s comments regarding the need for a comprehensive approach and shared an inclusive arts report is forthcoming.
Mayor Pacheco inquired regarding the number of quotes collected. Director Chacon responded three quotes were collected.
Council Member Trujillo commented regarding use of murals and immersive lighting. City Manager Livas responded the surface of the wall is not conducive to murals or immersive lighting and shared the benefits of using banners. He commented regarding the possibility of immersive art inside the facility and the Theatre Subcommittee’s consideration of various art forms within the Theatre.
Mayor Pacheco inquired regarding continuing use of the current banners. Director Chacon responded regarding the condition of the current banners and recommended replacement.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Alvarez, seconded by Council Member Frometa, and carried 4- 1, with Council Member La Plante voting no, to approve the amount of $54,588.65 for the cost of replacing the existing exterior building banners at the Downey Civic Theatre.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: None.
STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS
City Manager Livas congratulated Mayor Pacheco on her bid to the State Assembly. He commented regarding attacks and vulgar language used by speakers at the City Council meeting and apologized to residents for the vulgar language.
Mayor Pacheco thanked the audience for attending the meeting and apologized for the use of offensive language at the Council Meeting.
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ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Pacheco adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 8:54 p.m. in memory of Paul Beyrooty, Warren High School Class of 1972 and Downey Businessman; Officer Lanell Whitfield, Whittier Police Department; Unitied States Marines killed in a military aircraft crash in the Imperial Valley Desert; the victims of the Ukraine crisis; and, the lives lost due to COVID-19.
MARIA ALICIA DUARTE, CMC CATHERINE ALVAREZ
City Clerk Mayor Pro Tem